Automatic indicator for television quiz shows



1953 .J. P. REYNOLDS I AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR TELEVISION LQUIZ S HOWS Filed May 24, 1950 4Sheets-Sheet l 0 z 2 3 c z 2 3 c 1 2 s INVEN TOR. Jo HN HEY/v04 08 BY W C. B

-%4 /4rro,eA/=-Y Oct. 6, 1953 J. P. REYNOLDS AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR TELEVISION QUIZ SHOWS Filed May 24, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 -%a'/ ATTO/BA/EY Oct. 6, 1953 J. P. REYNOLDS 2,654,163

AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR TELEVISION QUIZ SHOWS Fil ed May 24, 1950 4 Shee c s-Sheet s 6 2 30 Z Z az .330

I N V EN T 0R. Joy/v REY/v01. as

W Cl a vu- Oct. 6, 1953 J. P. REYNOLDS 2,654,163

AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR TELEVISION QUIZ SHOWS Filed May 24, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 72' J INVENTOR.

(/Ofi/A/ 1Q EEYNQL 0-5 Patented Oct. 6, 1953 AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR TELEVISIO QUIZ SHOWS John P. Reynolds, Daytonro hio Application May 24, 1950, Serial No. 163,955

3 Claims.

This invention relates to quiz programs where a plurality of contestants strive at the same time to solve a definite set of problems or to answer a particular set of questions which are simultaneously presented to all of the contestants. The invention and its embodiment is particularly adapted for use on quiz programs where the contestants, the questions or problems, a plurality of suggested answers for the questions or problems, and the selection of answers by the contestants can all be seen by the audience or the attendants at a studio or auditorium. In the case of a television program all of the elements of the quiz show can also be viewed by the home audience over their individual receivers, and participated in to some extent.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an apparatus including an automatic indicator that registers immediately the first one of a plurality of contestants who first obtains the correct solutions for a group of questions or problems.

In accomplishing the object each contestant selects an answer by closing one answer switch for each question or problem, which is indicated by a light, and which, if correct, add up to form and energize a series circuit including a relay controlling the power delivered to the answer means for the other contestants. The first correct set of answers interrupts the power applied to the other parts of apparatus, so that the sole set of lamps that remains lighted instantly indicates the contestant first having the correct solution.

E ectrical means provide for the display of answers selected by contestants presented with a plurality of possible answers for a set of questions in a selected category, and indicate the contestant who first selects the correct answers for all of the questions proposed, accompanied with a cut-out in the power supply for the other contestants so that their solutions will not be completely indicated, but will be cancelled.

' To accomplish the foregoing, and assuming a condition of three contestants on the program though a larger or smaller number may be provided for. a control panel is provided for each contestant which panel provides as many answer sections as there are questions to be answered, each section having as many answer buttons or switches as there are proposed answers for each question. Each contestants control-panel is powered through a relay operated switch in each of i the other panels and is so connected that the selection of all the proper answers in any one panel "effects the interruption of powerto all 'ofthe other panelse In order that all contestants may have equal opportunity to participate in the contest, they are briefed on the conditions of the contest and instructed that a set of questions will be flashed upon the screen or otherwise displayed where all contestants may see them, and that associated with each question there will be a plurality of statements, one of which will be the correct answer for therquestion with which it is associated. The contestants are then told that their task is to pick, out the correct statement or answer and indicate their selection by punching the corresponding button on their control panel. The top section of their panel relates to the first question while the middle section relates to the second question and the bottom section to the third question. The numbered push buttons on each section correspond to the similarly numbered'answer statements under the related question, and when depressed effect the closing of an indicator circuit that may be seen by both the studio and home viewing audience and the contestants, and also closes a solenoid circuit that operates a gang switch or other multi-circuit device to establish a holding circuit and part of a blockout circuit which when completed by selection of all answers will interrupt the power line to the other panels. The blockout circuit can'be completed only'by selection of all the correct answers to the set of questions determined by punching the correct button, and which is determined bythe master of ceremonies at'a remote'point or at least out of view of the contestants, and changed for each set of questions.

The briefing of the contestants might include a short lecture on the general subject within which lecture therewill be injected subject-matter or statements from which the correct an-.- swers may be gleaned. The subject of the test questions may be in the nature of a film or series of pictures projected upon the screen, such as a film on safety, a travelogue, or an instructive presentation of some sport or other subject of general interest to both the contestants and the audience, both present in the studio and seated before their television receivers. Other test subjects of questioning might include some part of the manufacturing or processing of the sponsors product, for instance the dilferent types of American tobacco, the curing, use, marketing, inspection, and research involved, and all phases of the tobacco business that are not trade secrets. of course the. screen and the contestants with their control panels and display or indicator boards will be visible to the studio and unseen audience while the contestants are striving for solution of the questions, whereby they can mentally compete with or cheer for the contestants.

In the drawings:

Fig. lillustrates {one form of physicalarrangement for the equipment used in the television test program.

Fig. 2 is a planned arrangement for the contestants answer panels and master controller with interconnecting circuit 3 is a circuit diagram of the circuit :control elements with answer selectingand indicatinc means for each answer.

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram cior the rpower K3011- trols for all of the contestants panels.

Fig. 5 is a complete circuit diagram for each of the contestant panels.

With particular reference to-the drawings, refers to a screen curtain or other -means upon which is shown the fiim, or other preliminary -material used-in briefing the audience and contestants, and upon which is later posted the questions I 2 and theproposed-answer statements is. For purposes of comparison the questions are indicated thereon as Question A? 'Question B and Question 0, and the answers'for each question are designated as Answer No. 1; Answer 'No. 2 and Answer No. 3; of which one of each answer group of three answers'is true "for the question posted. Thereis no indication or suggestion from the posting of the answers, as to which oneis correct. At 115 is shown a contestants' booth having a compartment I8 for each contestant where "he :is confronted with a contestants panel 20, 22 or :2! each "fitted with a plurality of push buttons or switches 2E arranged in horizontal rows designated A, :B, and C, with the buttons orswitches'in each'row designated I, 2 and '3 to correspond with the :identi iication of questions and answers shown upon the screen -10. tant's panels :29, '22 .and '24 there-is a register 28 each fitted with a plurality of windows'for :indicating the answers seleoted'by the contestant 'working on the respective panel.

In order that the audience may follow the progress of the contestants the w-indows are.

arranged in three horizontal :rows marked 2A, B, and C while the windows in each row are marked I, 2, and 3. Lamp .or :light sources behind each window are tied inelectrically with the push buttons and respective control apparatus so that indication willbe given as-to the push button that is operated, and a cable 30 of electric wires connects the control apparatus with a master controller :32 situated at a. remote point or at least out of :sight of the contestants,

and so as to be operated by the master :of ceremonies. The master controller 32 includes .a gang switch section 34 that sets the relation of the push buttons that will give the correct answers to the questions and also has a template Associated with .each of the contestroller there are a plurality of gang or multisection rotary switches 44, 46, 48, shown in Fig. 2, each gang of which has a separate switch for control of one section of the contestants control panel, there being one switch of the gang 44 for each of the panel sections A, one switch of the gang 45 for each of the panel sections 13, and one switch of the gang 48 for each of the panel sections C. All of the switches :of each gang are substantially "identical and include a movable contact 50 adapted to engage contact points 52, 54, and 5B which have leads connect- -ing;by cable ill to :the respective devices in the :"proper sections of the contestants control panels. As shown in Fig. 2, each contentants panel 20, 2Z-andZQ'are interconnected by an extension of .thecabletdand each panel is divided into sections 58, 68 and B2 identified as A, B and C to preserve the association with the questions of the same identity.

Each contestants control pannl is fitted -:with apower-rcontrol-switch 66; B6 :andsfifi, which when actuated interrupts 1 the delivery of power to each of the pther panels. ,All :of the power control switches are identical'insoiar as .they;have a sole- .noidwinding -18 operable upon an armature" insulatingly supporting pair of movable contact bringing members -74 and 16 normally engaging contacts in ;:pairs 18 and 89. Each solenoid winding is and oneoi its associated pair of contacts J8 are connected with the positive bus of .a current source represented by the conductors 432 land 34. The other :end of each of thesole- ,nQidS-HI is connected by a lead 86 .into the signal output line fromthe respective panel sections 58, 6t and 82. In each instance the other one of the pair of contacts 18 joins by conductor 88 with one-of the pair of .contactsfiflassociated with oneofthe-other two contestants control panels, while the second one of that pair of contacts Silconnected by-a leadilil.suppliesa power line to one of the other contestants panel By this arrangement, power to eachand every contestants panel is supplied through a closed 'switchin the other two contestants panels connected in series from the positive bus .82 of the current source. As an example, the power lead 98' to the contestants panel 2.0 "connects to the switch 3'6, 800i .thepowerswitch 66 for the panel .22 and thence to the switch I l, 18 of the power switch 68 from the positive bus 82. Likewise, the ,power lead 90" for panel 22 has switch '16,

. fill of power switch 68 andswitch 14, '38 of power switch '64 connected in series, while the power lead -90 for thepanel 24 has switch i6, 85) of .powerswitchfiiand switch 14, 1'8 of power switch .connected to thesame bus. Therefore, whenever one of the power switches opens power is .cut oii to both of the other panels. The power switch located in each panel is actuated by energizing .the corresponding solenoid winding I0, but the energization oi that winding depends entirely upon .the relation of circuit connections established ineach of .the answer sections of the same contestants panel, that relation of circuit connections being determined by the setting of the master controller 32.

;-If the answer buttons 5, 2 and 3 of the question sections A,-B and C are operated to provide the circuit connections cal-led for by the master "controller 32, then the signal output line 86 from that panel will be connected with the negative bus of the current source through the conductor 92, by the series relation of circuit connections established by operation :of the answer 'but- 2, and 3 in that panel.

tons. As an example, if the relation called for by' the master controller 32 is AI, B2, and C3, then the contestant who first completes operation of those particular buttons, connects the solenoid winding I9 of his control panel across the busses 82, 84 and effects operation of the armature l2 to open switches 14, I8 and'lfi, 80, thereby interrupting the power supply to each of the other contestants control panels. That relation of the power control switches 64, 68 and IE8 and the master control 32 with the contestants control panels, except for the circuit connections for the answer sections, is shown in Fig. '2, while the inter-relation of the power control switches for all of the contestants control panels is shown in Fig. 4 where the elements of panel 22 are indicated by the same reference character with a single prime added, while'those for the panel 24 are indicated by the use of a double prime Thus, elements 92, 80 and 90 feed into panel 20, whileelements 92', 36 and 90 feed into panel 22, and elements 92", 86" and feed into panel 24. That relation is maintained in Fig. where the power control switch S4 is shown connected into the circuit connections for the three answer sections A, B, C of the contestants control panel 20. I

The conductor 92 connects the negative bus 84 with the movable contact 50 of the gang switch 44, and has branches 94 connecting with one side of all of the answer control and indicating circuits controlled by the push button switches I, The power lead 99' has branches 96 connected with the other side of those circuits; the circuit completion between 92 and 90' depending on the circuit connections established by pressig the buttons I, 2, and 3. The answer control and indication circuits are substantially identical for each section of the contestants panel, and is shown by itself in Fig. 3, representing the question A section of contestants panel 20. Three solenoid actuated gang switches or multi-contact relays I00, 200 and 300 are in controlled relation to the push button switches I, 2 and 3, each comprising a solenoid winding I02, 292 and 302 in parallel with inindicator lamps I04, 204, and 304, connected between one side of the push button switches I, 2 and 3 respectively and the branch 94 leading by conductor 92 to the negative bus 84.

An armature I 06, 206 and 306 operating as core members of the respective solenoid windings insulatingly support movable contact bridging members I98, III! and 208, 2I0 as well as 308, 3I0, which bridging members normally engage pairs of rest contacts H2, H4 and 2I2, 2I4 as well as 3I2, 3I4, and are adapted upon energization of the corresponding solenoid winding to engage secondary pairs of contacts II6, H8 and 2 I8, 2 I8 as well as 3IS, 3I8. The secondary contacts I I8, 2H5 and 3I6 connect by leads I20, 220, and 320 and by leads I22, 222 and 322, to form a holding circuit for the windings I02, 202 and 302, in parallel with the pushbutton switches I, 2 and 3 across the branch 94 and a conductor" I24, 224

post of the pair of secondary contacts II8, 2I8

and 3I8 connect in parallel to a common conductor I28 running to a selector gang switch of an adjacent section, while the second post of the secondary pair connect by leads I30, 230 and 330 with the contact points of the associated selector gang switch.

, -When the solenoid actuated gang switches are in the rest position each of them establishes a circuit between the positive bus 82 and the negative bus 84 except for a single gap controlled by a push button in a dififerent solenoid actuated gang switch. As an example, when the push button I is operated it connects solenoid I02 and lamp I04 across the conductors 94 and 96 by way of I24,-3I4,'3I0, 226, 2I2 and208, from which it may be seen that a pair of normally closed contacts in each of the other solenoid actuated switches are in series with the push button switch whenever anyone answer circuit is completed. Closing'of answer switch 2 connects 202 and 204 between 94 and 96 through 224, H4, H0, 329, 8I2 and 308, while closing answer switch 3 similarly connects 302, 304 through 324, 2I4, 2I0, I26, H2 and I08. Closing of any answer switch I, 2, or 3 serves to energize the respective solenoid I02, 202, or 302, and light the lamp I04, 204, 304.

Energization of the solenoids acts upon the respective armatures to move the bridging contact members I08, 208 and 308 from the rest position against contacts II 2, 2I2 and 3I2 to engagement with'the secondary contacts II 6, 2I6 and 3 I 3 which establish the respective holding circuit I20, I22 and 220, 222 as well as 320, 322. The respective solenoids are thereby maintained energized though the answer switch I, 2 or 3 are opened. Disconnecting the contacts I I2, 2I2 and 3I2 prevents closing of another answer circuit in the same question section, which forestalls the contestant fishing around for the correct answer. Coincident with movement of the bridging members I88, 208, 308, the bridging members H0, H0 and 3I0 are moved away from the rest contacts I I4, 2 I4 and 3 I4 to a position spanning secondary contacts II8, 2I8 and 3I8. Opening of the rest contacts II4, 2I4 and 3I4 form another breach in the circuits for both of the other answer circuits, while closing secondary contacts H0, 2I8 and 3 I 3 complete the circuit connections between the common conductor I28 and the leads I30,

230 and 330 respectively.

Determining the proper one of the answer switches and circuits to be selected in any one question section involves setting the movable contact 50 of the associated selector gang switch on one of the contacts52, 54, or 5% which are the terminals of leads I30, 230 and 330 connecting to the common conductor I28, through the corresponding bridged secondary contacts H3, 2 I8 and 3I8. When one of the templates in the section 36 (Fig. 2) is changed, the corresponding contact arm 50 of the selector switches is moved to a new position calling for a new combination of answer circuits to be selected for closing an electrical path across the conductors 83 and 32. It should be remembered that one of the answer circuits in section A serially connected to one of the answer circuits in section B, and serially connected to one of the answer circuits in the section C must form a conductive path between the conductorsv and 92 before the winding I0 of the power control switch can be energized. When that winding is'energized by closing a path across 96 and 92, the power supply to all other panels I Reference to Fig. 5 will illustrate the relations 7 between the answer circuits tor-eachsection or the -.pane1 and how those answer circuits are under the control of the -ma-ster controller tor completing an operative circuit for the :power control relay. There the common conductor 128 for the questionsectionA connects with themovable contact 501) for the selector switch 46 of the question section B, while the common conductor 1-28bof the question section B similarly connects with the movable contact 500 for the selector switch 48. The common conductor 1280 in the question sectionC connects with-lead--86 to connect with relay winding 10. -All of the selector switches must be in some circuit closed relation with respect to their movable contacts 50 and the contacts points 52, 54 and 56. The template members :38, 40 and 42 determine the setting of the switches 44, 45 and and the selection of answer switches-thatmust be operated to form the conductive path between the conductors 92 and 86. Template member'iifi operates to set all of the selector switches 44 and the one of their contacts53, and 5B that -is engaged by the movable-contact 58 fixes or conditions the answer circuit that must-be energized to form one of the series segmentsbetween '92 and 86 to energize the winding of thelpower switch. 7

Operation of the equipment can best be illustrated by assuminga set 'or" questions and proposed answers, three for each question, and one of which is correct. Let it be assumed that a briefing or explanation has been given on the correct use of words in writing and speaking, and. that the following questions and answers have been thrown upon the screen H] for all to Question A. Use the word Mien to denote:

1. Appearance of a'person,

2. The middle'point,

3. An unpleasant manner.

Question B. The word Tome denotes:

l. A resounding'sound,

2. A largebook,

'3. The vaulted roof of a rotunda.

Question '0. Does the word Reek mean:

1. To be soakingwet,

2. To cry out,

3. To smell offensively? In a rec'entissue of the Reader's Digest mag- Maine, the correct answers to the above were given and would appear to be as here arranged, A1, B2 and "C3. 'Only the master of ceremonies is familiar with the fact, and therefore sets the master controller 34 to agree with the conditions. Template members 38, iii and '42 are set into place that will respond to a plug l'ike member to adjust the movable contacts of all the switches to the proper position. As a guide, and referring to 2, 'the indicia 32 on the template members 38, 4c and t2 designate the inclination or position of the switch arm 50 in the corresponding switch, such 'as indicated by the dashed lines in Figs. 2 and '5. In those positions, contact point "52 of switches 44 connects conductor s2 with lead 35 that communicates with one of the secondary contacts H8 in the solenoid actuated answer circuit me of the question A sections. In a similar way, contact points 54 of switches it connect conductor 128 with lead 230 that communicates with one of the secondary contacts 2 IS in the answer circuit 25 3 of the question B sections, and the contact :points 56 of switches 48 connect conductor 1281) with lead -33!) that communicates with one of the secondary contacts (H8 in the answer circuit 30!] ofthe'questionC sections.

Since the other one of the secondary contacts -I I8 joins the common-conductor 128, while the other of secondary contacts 2| 8 joins the common conuctor [28b and the opposing one of secondary contacts 3l8 joins the common conductor i-28c, it'should be apparent that conductors 92 andwill be bridged if the pairs of secondary contacts N8 of section A, the contacts 2l8 of section B, and the contacts 318 of section C are connected by the corresponding contact bridging members. To emphasize those connections the pertinent circuits have been shown in bold face, and the corresponding bridging members have been shownin position to connect the secondary contacts. That shows the circuit connections when all three of the questions are answered correctly, by any one contestant. To accomplish the solution each contestant in his compartment l8 reads the questions and answers displayed on the screen i 8 from which heselects an answer he believes to be correct for the different questions.

If he selects No. 3 as the correct answer for question A, he would push button 3 in the section A of his conestants panel Winding 302 would be. energized because of its connection through 94 to the conductor 92, and of its connection through 324, 2, 2H3, [26, H2, 188 and 96 to The armature eiie moves the bridging contact members 308, am away from contacts 3|2, 3M and engages them with the secondary contacts 3i6, 3l8, whereby the holding circuit for the winding 302 is energized, and the rest contacts M2, 3! are held open. Though the secondary contacts 3l8 are bridged which connects I28 to 330 there is an open point in the selector switch 4} between the contact 56 and the movable element '50 which is in engagement with contact point 52. Therefore, correct answers in the other sections will not complete the circuit and energize the power control relay. Once the contestant makes his selection 'he cannot change the answer until the control circuits are reset by the master of ceremonies and the master switch. Coincident with energization of the winding 302, the lamp 384 is lighted which shows up in the properportion of the register 28, where it may be seen by those of the audience.

On the other hand supposing that the contestant knows all of the correct answers to the questions posted. Then he pushes answer button l of the A section, button 2 of the B section and button "3 of the C section. Referring to Fig. 5, closing of button i in the section A enregizes winding 1G2 and lamp Hi4 from es, and leads b37124, 3M, 3'19, 226, 212, 298 to 96 and thence 9Q. Armature I06 moves the bridging members I08, H!) from rest contacts H2, M4 to engage secondary contacts H6, H8. The holding circuit or the winding [92 is now established, and one leg of the power cut-cit circuit is established. It extends from conductor 92 through switch arm 50, contact 52 and elements we, fill, H8, 128 to movable contact 501) of selector switch 46 in the B section, and by 238 thereof to one of the pair of secondary contacts M8 01 the B section. When rest contacts H2 of the A section are opened, gang switch 35?! can not be operated, and when rest contacts H4 of the A section are opened switch 200 cannot be operated. Closing of the answer switch 2 of the B section energizes the winding 202 and lamp 204 9 from 941), and by leads 224, contacts H4, H0, 328, 308 to 9612 and 90.

In a similar manner the aramture 200'moves the bridging members 208, M away from the rest contacts 2I2, H4 and to engage secondary contacts 2I8, 2I8, which establishes the holding circuit for the winding 202, and completes the second leg of the power cutoff circuit from the lead 230 through the common conductor I281) to the switch arm 500 of the selector gang switch 48 of the C section. The opening of rest contacts 2I2, 2I4 disables gang switches I00 and 300 respectively. The contestant selecting the correct answer for the third question operates push button 3 on the section C which energizes the winding 302 and lamp 304 from the line 94:: through 324, 2I4, 2I0, I26, II2, I08 to 960 joining 90'. The armature 306 moves the bridging members 308, 3I0 away from the rest contacts 3I2, 3I4 to engage the secondary contacts 3I6, 3I8 respectively, whereby the third leg of the power cut-off circuit is completed from contact point 56 in the selector switch 48 through lead 330 and by way of 3I0, 3l8 to I280 which leaves no open point in the circuit between the movable arm 50 of the selector switch 44 and the winding 18 of the power control switch for that panel.

Suppose it be the contestant in the compartment I8 before the panel 20 that first completes the correct answers to all three of the questions posted on the screen I0. As he punches each of the answer buttons the corresponding lamp is lighted up on the register 28 giving an indication to the audience of the answers selected for each of the questions. The three questions may be answered in any order he chooses, but the answers selected must add up to the combination determined by the selector switches. He must make the right choice the first time, because once the answer button is operated the corresponding solenoid opens the circuits to the other answer circuits and maintains the holding circuit closed until released by the selector switch. The first contestant to select the correct answers energizes the power control switch of that panel.

Referring to Fig. 4, if the contestant before panel 20 is the first to select the proper answers, he thereby closes a circuit from 82 to 86 connecting with the negative and positive buses 84, 82. Energizing of winding is actuates armature I2 to move bridging members 14, it away from contacts #8, 80 which interrupts current to contestants panels 22 and 24. That follows from the fact that contacts 18 when bridged by 14 connect bus 82 by 88, 80 and I6 with power lead 92 for the panel 22, while contacts 80 when bridged by I6 connect power lead 80 for the panel 24, to the bus 82 by 88', 70' and I4. On the other hand panel 20 is powered by 90' through '86, 80 of panel 22, in series with 88" to T8" and H!" of panel 24. When the power leads 90" or so are opened, all answer circuits that have been completed in the respective panels are deenergized and the completion of any other circuits in those panels is prevented, such that ultimately only one register 28 will be illuminated.

by three lamps, and the other two registers will be unlighted.

For illustration, and referring to Fig. 5, assume that one of the other panels has the right solution and has effected the opening of power line 98' to the panel here shown, and assume that answer circuits I and 2 of sections A and B respectively have been completed while answer 10 circuit 3 of section C is still unselected. Ifpower line is open, then winding I02 is deenergized since its holding circuitfrom 94 includes I24, 3), 3I4, 226, H2, 208 and 96 which joins 90. Winding I02 being deene-rgized the armature I08 returns the bridging members I08 and H9 to rest position engaging the rest contacts H2 and II respectively. The indicator light I05 also goes out. The same condition obtains with respect to the gang switch 280 in section B. The gang switch see of section C could not be operated because the winding 302 joining 940 through button 3 and circuit elements 324, 2I4, 2I0, I26, H2, 88 and 960 to 90 is then deenergized. Therefore neither winding 302 nor lamp 304 can be energized.

' While the embodiment of the present invention as-herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form,

solution and a plurality of incorrect solutions,

comprising in combination, controllable apparatus including selector means irrevocably operable by a contestant for independently indicating his selection of solution for each problem, means for visually indicating the particular solution selected by each contestant, means for secretly determining the solution for each problem which when all selected by any contestant will determine the winner, and means responsive to the first selection of solutions by any contestant that coincides with the secretly determined solutions for erasing the indicated solutions of all the other contestants.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the irrevocable selector means includes a contestants control panel providing an answer section for each problem presented, each answer section incorporating electrical apparatus and circuits for establishing as many answer circuits for the respective problem presented as there are correct and incorrect associated solutions, a magnetic switch in each answer circuit for energizing one leg of a power control circuit, a holding circuit for each magnetic switch, until the power of that panel is interrupted, and means dependant upon the selecting of all of the current solutions in the panel for serially connecting all of the legs of the power control.

3. In an amusement device having an electrical unit to be operated by closing of a secretly selected one of a plurality of control circuits for energizing said electrical unit, the combination comprising a current source with which the unit is to be connected, a switch and conductor means for secretly establishing one of the plurality of control circuits as the circuit that will when closed effect operation of the electrical unit, a relay for each control circuit conductor, having a coil and sets of contacts a manual switch for connecting the respective relay across the current source to energize the respective coil, each of said relays having a pair of normally open relay holding contacts in parallel with the manual switch which pair of contacts when closed maintains the coil of the respective relay energized, said sets of contacts being in addition to the pair of holding contacts and being equal in number to the number of control circuits conductors and includin a second pair of contacts normally closed and connected serially between aco gr'e 11. the; source and a pair of normally closed. contacts of a second relay for cementing the. coil energization of. a third relay when it's holding contacts are closed, a thirdpiairl of contacts norma-lly open which when closed connect'the electrical unit with the respective control 'cir'ciiit conductor, and a fourth pair of contacts normally closed and connected serially hetween the second pair of contacts of, said third relay and the holding contacts of said second relay, the interconnection of relays being such that energization of the coil whose control circuit conductor secretly establishes one. of the control circuits with the said switch, opens the normally closed contacts and closes the normally open contacts of the respective relay that prevents the energize,- tion of the coils of all other relays. and directly 12c connects the electric unit. across the current source. r JOHN: P. aynorns.

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